- Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
- A cash deposit or credit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, are required at check-in.
- Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
- The following credit cards are accepted: MasterCard and Visa.
- The hotel provides transfers from the airport (fees apply). To make arrangements, contact the property with arrival details prior to travel, using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
- No rollaway or extra beds are available.
The Empress Theodora
3.5 out of 5.0
88.0% based on 197 reviews
Recent guest reviews
Hotel was very clean and was cleaned regulary during our stay. Reception staff very very accommodating and helpful people. Location is perfect for seeing places. It has easy access via tram to all places of interest in Istanbul and access to ferries. The only issue was the lobby which was small.
i have booked a room with city view when i went there they only had rooms without window i even stayed in a cheaper room and i have paid for the other room.. i couldn’t stay one night .. still waiting to get my money back the guy told it will be in my credit card within 3 days :(
This is my second visit to Istanbul I must say this hotel has the best location. Right outside the tram line. Around the corner 2 minute walk to the blue mosque Sofia hagia. The grand bazar is 10 minute walk up the road. And spice bazar just down the road. The rooms are clean . Staff are friendly. I would visit again.
Just came back from a first trip to Istanbul, and our stay in The Empress Theodora Hotel was such an adventure! The location is great: in the of historic Sultanahmet. Topkapi Sarayi, Agia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Gulhane Park, the tramway station...are only few steps away from the hotel. The rooms we stayed in were great. The windows are so big and have a great view on Alemdar caddesi. The matresses are confortable; the bed sheets, covers, and pillows brand new! The bathroom is so neat and well-equiped. The breakfast soooo generous and yummy, on a lovely terrasse. On top of it all, the employees are so kind and helpful, especially the receptionists! Our deepest regards go of course to Mahran, an exceptional receptionist, who has been of great help and company to us. We could never thank him enough for his support and patience. Such a young spirit with a big heart! Immense gratitude also goes to Majd, whose smile made our stay even more enjoyable. So much gratitude goes to Ahmet as well for his kindness. He has been very caring and attentive during the whole stay. Can't wait for the next visit... 😁
i have been to it four times and still love it ! its small and cosy offers value for money standards but with good food and close access to gulhana park and topkapi and sultan ahmet mosque and surroundings
Small size rooms, like all hotels in Sultanahmet, they say 20 sqm but more like 14. Good check in experience. Decently clean room, could be better in out of sight spots but that is standard in tourist hotel in that area (stayed over 25 times). Location, as everyone says, it is hard to beat. Tram passes just in front of the room but wimdows decently soundproofed, but if you are a light sleeper ask them for a room with a back view. But what I want to stress is that the breakfast was one of the best that I have had, very good selection of very qualitative dishes. They really did a good job and that shows that they care for their guests. Location on the terrace is great also. All in all, highly recommended!
We stayed at Empress Theodora hotel last summer and we enjoyed our stay very much. it has a great location and receptionist was very helpful. rooms are a bit small but we heard that its the main problem of most hotels in old city so we would recommend this hotel.
The hotel is simple, yet well located. The crew is very polite and helpful. The hotel has stairs and restaurant is on the terrace. The breakfast is good and different. In 2013, when I have visited, there is not elevator. The tram (train) Substation is 50 meters far hotel, and there is machine to buy coin pass. It is near the Santa Sofia Cathedral, and near Blue Mosche, and near hotel there is exchange point, bazaars, and good restaurants. Use tram to central marketplace (get a map with the stations and tourist points nearby). The hotel owner couple is Turkish man in a lady from Lithuania, and they know to receive the outlanders from other cultures. Usually the people speaks german, and english with the guest. Do not buy the voucher to transfer to the airport with no indication of the hotel, indeed, it is recommended to ask for them booking. Enjoy yourself in Byzantium or Istambul, read Orhan Pamuk (My name is red, and Istambul), and have a nice trip.
We stayed family of four over the weekend, fantastic hotel, good food Excellent stadf, nothing was to much trouble for them, I could not reccomend it enough, Very good breakfast, the restaurant next door had very good variety, and everthing was fresh Defineley will return to this place
good location..good breakfast.but bad wifi.you are connected to anearby resturant. reception person is not cooperatice.no left.central heating. so you cant have your own air condition.and receipion boy is not helpful. when you leave your room freg. will be off.
Hotel highlights
- Walking distance to Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern
- Free buffet breakfast
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Onsite dining
Located in Old City, The Empress Theodora is adjacent to Basilica Cistern and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Hagia Sophia. This 18-room, 3.5-star hotel has free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. It's in central Istanbul and also a short walk from Istanbul Archaeology Museum and Hippodrome.
Dining
Free buffet breakfast is included with your stay and awaits you each morning from 8 AM to 10 AM. Order from room service to satisfy your hunger without leaving your room, or enjoy a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant.
Rooms
All 18 air-conditioned accommodations feature dining areas. Flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms have hair dryers, free toiletries, and slippers. Other standard amenities include minibars, electric kettles, and free bottled water.
Property features
Renovated in 2014, The Empress Theodora offers a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for TRY 270 per vehicle one way. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with dry cleaning/laundry, concierge services, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a computer station, a library, and express check-in.
Reviews from Trip Advisor
88.0% of guests recommend this hotel
Total of 197 reviews
